Texas A&M Football 2014: 5 Questions Entering The Season

Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin has proven that when it comes to designing explosive offenses and recruiting elite athletes, not many coaches do it better than the architect of the Aggies 'rise back to national relevance. But with the losses of former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, and All-Americans Mike Evans and Jake Matthews, Texas A&M enters this season with several question marks.

5. Who Are The Toughest Matchups?

Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

5. Who Are The Toughest Matchups?

Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

A trio of hostile road games against top 10 teams South Carolina, Alabama and Auburn will test the mettle of the Aggies. Texas A&M will end the season with a pair of home games, including a Nov. 27 finale opposite a solid LSU squad.

4. Who Will Be The Top Running Backs?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Who Will Be The Top Running Backs?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M has no shortage of talent at the skill positions, and with four returning offensive linemen, the running game should be fine without the scrambling heroics of Johnny Football. A pair of former blue-chippers, Brandon Williams and Trey Williams, along with 235-pound bruiser Tra Carson should keep the Aggies ground game a major weapon this upcoming season.

3. Which Freshmen Will Make An Immediate Impact?

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

3. Which Freshmen Will Make An Immediate Impact?

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Blue-chip quarterback Kyle Allen remains in the running for the starting gig, and receiver Speedy Noil, the No. 1-ranked wide receiver in the country in the class of 2014, was more than a little impressive during spring practice. With back-to-back elite recruiting classes, the Aggies are stocked with gifted freshman with the talent to make an impact if the opportunity arises.

2. Will The Defense Be Much Improved?

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

2. Will The Defense Be Much Improved?

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Aggies had a dreadful defensive unit a year ago and struggled to slow down opposing teams on the ground and in the air. The bright spot for Texas A&M was that numerous youngsters were forced to play, which bode well for the future, especially this season. However, due to an array of transfers, injuries and dismissals, the defensive seven returns only two players instead of five. Ouch!

1. Who Will Be The New Quarterback?

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

1. Who Will Be The New Quarterback?

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Sophomore Kenny Hill and five-star freshman Kyle Allen are battling for the right to replace Johnny Manziel in the Aggies' backfield this season. Hill, a talented four-star prospect, reportedly has a slight edge over Allen, a true freshman who was the No. 1 pro-style quarterback in last year's recruiting class.

The Alabama Crimson Tide dismissed Jonathan Taylor only 80 days into his time with the program. Taylor had been previously dismissed from the Georgia Bulldogs and was seen as a risky player to admit. Read More